2001 Chrysler LHS Elegant design, agile performance. By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, New Car Test Drive .com

Chrysler's LHS offers an elegant design in a big luxury sedan that makes a statement of status and achievement. Fortunately, the distinctive design is backed up by the driving experience. The LHS is a joy to drive. It rides smoothly and handles remarkably well for a full-size front-wheel-drive sedan.

One model is available. The $28,680 LHS comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 and a lovely leather-trimmed interior loaded with luxury features.

Designed to compete with the Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental, the LHS comes standard with just about everything. Premium leather seating surfaces with seat heaters are standard. Also standard are antilock brakes with traction control.

Options include a moonroof ($895), chrome wheels ($750), and an 11-speaker 360-watt Infinity audio system ($515). New this year is the optional Luxury Group ($520), which includes outside mirrors with automatic tilt-down adjustment for reverse, automatic dimming driver's-side outside mirror, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, and California walnut wood trim on doors, instrument panel and steering wheel.